Liverpool ponder big-money summer raid for Newcastle schemer

Liverpool are eyeing an end-of-season swoop for coveted Newcastle United midfield player Hatem Ben Arfa, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

The highly-talented France international is currently recovering from injury, although is expected to be back in the Magpies’ first team shortly, with head coach Alan Pardew hopeful of persuading the player to put pen to paper on a new bumper contract as soon as the 25-year-old is back to full fitness.

The reason for Pardew’s and the club’s urgency is that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has already been in contact with Newcastle to inquire about the possibility of bringing the mercurial playmaker to Anfield his summer.

And, in an effort to ward off the Reds, Pardew and the club are now willing to offer Ben Arfa an extended contract on increased terms, which they hope the player will accept, especially as Newcastle have recently brought in a whole host of new French players to appease the midfield player.

For the Merseysiders, they would need to stump up a fair chunk of cash if they wish to persuade Newcastle to do business, while whether Liverpool’s American owners would sanction such a move also remains open to doubt.